Age Groups – Fireflies, Crickets & Butterflies

Our preschool curriculum is designed for physically independent children, 3 years and older, who are able to function in a group of 10 children to one teacher. These children will be able to dress themselves and function with total independence in the bathroom and at mealtimes. Children are ready for this program when they show an interest in group theme activities, are able to master third or higher level of TTLC’s Basic Skills Curriculum and are able to participate in rotating teacher-directed group activities without undue stress. Children are grouped by level of skill mastery and assigned to a teacher or teaching team consisting of a program teacher and an assistant who work at a 1 – 10 ratios with a maximum group size of 20. Daily schedules for our preschool program include lots of time for both structured teacher-directed activities and free time for children to explore the materials and equipment to develop individual interests within four distinct activity areas.

• The Learning Center is furnished with many individual workspaces in an area that is small enough to encourages quiet, independent play and facilitate close teacher interaction. Interest centers include books, cozy spots for relaxation, learning games, puzzles, and fine motor material. Our teachers are trained to use this time to work with the children individually or in smaller groups assessing and assisting in skill mastery.
• The Discovery Area is set up to encourage cooperative play and verbal interactions within small groups. This area includes open carpeted floor spaces where small groups of children can play with cars, work puzzles, or build together in small groups. Puppets, chalkboard, felt board and bulletin boards are used for language activities.  During structured time, children will participate in group discussions, learning games and investigative activities. At other times, the children are free to choose from available materials or activities that appeal to them.
• The Messy Room with its tile floor, easy-clean surfaces and handy access to hand washing facilities and cooking appliances provides an appropriate area for young children to participate in creative . . .and messy activities. The room is equipped with a sensory table and lots of art equipment and supplies. During structured time they will create art and experiment safely with cooking materials. The children can plan and carry out their own choice of activities independently during non-structured time.
• The Dramatic Activities Area is a spacious area with enough room for all the children to come together for music and special presentations. There is room and equipment for dramatic play, energetic games, participatory music activities, and gross motor activities which require more space for moving around, freedom to be noisy without disturbing anyone, and larger social groups. Smaller carpeted corner areas provide lots of floor space for blocks, housekeeping play, and floor toys.  Structured times emphasize active physical exercise to encourage a strong cardiovascular system and the development of speed, balance, and coordination in all physical movements.  

A typical day in our Preschool Program
6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Free play - children choose their own activities from designated areas

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 am Teacher-directed activities begin with children rotating through activities

11:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Lunch, personal care, snacks, and rest.

2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Free play

(Children may enroll in 3 – 5 days of half-day preschool or 2 – 5 days of full-day preschool each week).

 Based upon mastery level of the TTLC Basic Skills Curriculum, preschoolers will be placed in one of the following groups: 

• Preschool 1  Fireflies  For children challenged by and capable of mastering the third and fourth levels of the TTLC Basic Skills Curriculum.
• Preschool 2  Crickets For children who are challenged by and capable of mastering the fourth and fifth levels of the TTLC Basic Skills Curriculum.
• Preschool 3  Butterflies For children who are challenged by and capable of mastering the fifth and sixth levels of the TTLC Basic Skills Curriculum.